Guide to GSE Operations During High Heat Weather Events
Resources & Technical ArticlesConstantly operating aircraft ground support equipment (GSE) can result in hot equipment even during a typical day. So, when high heat summer scorchers hit and humidity spikes, GSE operation temperatures can reach an all-time high.
High temperatures and extreme environmental conditions are often the norm for commercial and military aircraft around the world. While this clearly won't completely shut down aircraft operations, it does create a challenge for GSE.
To combat this sweltering dilemma when operating aircraft ground support equipment, it's important to keep downtime to a minimum once the dog days of summer set in. Keep reading to learn about some of the effects extreme heat can have on GSE and aircraft operations, as well as the proper procedures for operating aircraft GSE parts and equipment safely and efficiently.
How Does High Heat Impact Ground Support Equipment Operations?
While it may seem like your ground support equipment can withstand anything, it is not impervious to drastically high temperatures. Extremely hot weather can have two adverse effects on how you operate aircraft ground support equipment.
1. High Temperatures Can Cause Expansion
It may seem obvious that high heat can damage electronics, but high temperatures can also have a massive impact on hydraulic junctions and swages. When these expand in extreme weather conditions, they'll start to leak and become weakened. This may lead to catastrophic GSE failure in the future.
High temperatures can also break down lubricants faster and lead to boiling coolant and overheating engines, especially in gas or diesel-powered aircraft pushback tugs. Thankfully, electric tow tugs are often less susceptible to this issue.
2. Humidity Draws Out Moisture
When it's hot outside, it's not just the high temperature that can negatively affect GSE operations. Did you know that heat actually draws moisture out of the soil, creating dust and loose dirt? These particles can permeate ground support equipment while moisture drawn from gaskets and seals allows the dirt to slip into your towing equipment systems. High humidity can also impact your stabilizer stands and aircraft jacks.
Preparing for GSE Operations in High Heat
Extreme weather conditions can really put your GSE operations to the test. But if you put the proper preparation procedures in place, you'll keep your GSE operations running in tip-top shape year-round. And by being proactive, you'll be able to keep operating aircraft ground support equipment efficiently, minimizing downtime no matter what the thermostat says.
Transmission
GSE transmissions can take a beating when operating aircraft ground support equipment during the hottest days of summer.
But there are some things you can do to prepare.
- 1. First, get the transmission fully serviced, replacing the filter, fluid and pan gasket.
- 2. Second, inspect the cooler lines for blisters, cracks and leaks. Ensure that all clamps and fittings are tight.
- 3. Finally, make sure the driveshaft and U-joints are tight.
Cooling Systems
The cooling systems in airport GSE are obviously essential when it's hot outside. In fact, they may be the most critical functions that help keep aircraft operations running smoothly in high heat. Because of this, you must keep everything in pristine condition to prepare for extreme environmental conditions.
Here are a few tips for maintaining your cooling system for efficient GSE operations:
- Keep coolant and engine oil levels full.
- Check the circulation of the coolant.
- Inspect radiator fan blades for cracks, missing blades and general straightness.
- Tighten fan blades and be sure that they're free of cracking.
- Test the cooling system for leaks through the use of a pressure tester.
- Conduct a visual inspection of your radiator and heater hoses for potential blistering, cracks and/or swelling.
- Check your radiator filler hole for any build-up or corrosion. If either is present, flush the radiator with a high-quality radiator flush.
- Inspect the water pump near the weep hole for leaks. Do you see coolant or coolant staining? This is often a sign that the shaft seals are going bad. Consider replacing them before something happens and you're left in the lurch.
Hydraulic Power Units
While hydraulic power units don't require as much maintenance, it's still essential to ensure the fins are straight and that no foreign object debris has gotten in. You should also inspect the supply and return hoses before operating aircraft ground support equipment.
Batteries
Summer weather can be a literal drain on airport ground support equipment batteries.
To prolong the life of batteries, make sure the following steps are a part of your high heat GSE operations checklist:
- Clean and tighten equipment battery connections and terminals.
- Check the electrolyte level if the battery is not a sealed, maintenance-free type. If one of the cells is reading as low, consider it a sign that something is starting to go wrong and should be replaced.
Brake Systems
To protect brake systems from high heat and moisture, check ground support equipment brake pads and shoes more frequently than you would during other times of the year. Inspect brake hoses for dry rot, leaks and swelling. And if the brake fluid in the reservoir is a bit murky, that's a clear indicator that it's time for the system to be drained and flushed.
Tires
When temps inch toward the extreme, ramp temperatures can reach intense levels. This can be harsh on airport ground support equipment tires and literally grind them into black powder during GSE operations.
To prolong the life of your tires when scorchers set in, you'll want to take the following precautions:
- Ensure you have the proper tire alignment to allow the tires to wear evenly.
- Rotate tires regularly, typically at every PMI interval.
- Monitor the tire pressure more closely in the summer months, ensuring it doesn't get too low.
- Ensure each equipment technician is looking for cuts in the tires and watching their driving speeds when it's especially hot out.
Trust Tronair GSE Operations When Things Heat Up
At Tronair, we understand how important safety is when operating aircraft ground support equipment for commercial and military aircraft. It's why our powerful products and GSE equipment were designed to support your employees, passengers and fleets efficiently and reliably. If you want to know more about how you can beat the high heat, or you just have a question about our aviation ground support equipment, feel free to reach out. Our team of GSE operation experts are always ready to help give you the information you need.
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